Radiologic Technology

(Diagnostic X-ray Technology)

Radiographers perform diagnostic imaging exams, administer contrast media, and operate radiographic equipment to perform a variety of imaging procedures including diagnostic x-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams, bone densitometry, mammography, cardiovascular interventional studies, and additional specialties in nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and radiation therapy.

Work and Employment

Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, government health agencies and research hospitals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the demand for radiologic technologists is expected to grow as x-ray and other radiologic specialties are increasingly used to diagnose and treat diseases.

Special Considerations

Graduates must pass a national registry exam to be certified and registered. With additional on-the-job training or formal schooling radiographers may become certified and registered in ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry, cardiovascular and quality assurance. With advanced degrees, they may become managers, instructors and administrative technologists.

Admission Requirements:

1. Biology - Anatomy and Physiology (One of these following criteria must be met. Any valid standard of proficiency listed below can be utilized to apply. Multiple attempts at anatomy and physiology may be a factor in the admission process.)
   • BIO 108 or BIO 109 or BIO 110 with a grade "C" or better
   • Two semesters (One year) of high school Anatomy and Physiology with a "C" or better within the last five years. 
   • Equivalent Anatomy and Physiology course at another college or university with a grade "C" or better.
2. Mathematics (One of these following criteria must be met. Any valid standard of proficiency listed below can be utilized to apply.)
   • Placed into MAT 081, MAT 106 or higher, or its equivalent using any approved valid placement
     option.
   • Completed MAT 075, MAT 076 , MAT 078, MAT 081, OR initial approved Rad Tech general
     education math course with a grade of "C" or better
   • Completed an equivalent math course at another college or university with a grade "C" or better.
   • Completed two semesters of high school algebra with a "C" or better within the last three years OR
     completed through Completed Common Core 1 with a "C" or better within the last three years.
3. English Language Arts (One of these following criteria must be met. Any valid standard of proficiency listed below can be utilized to apply.)
   • Placed into ENG 101 using any approved valid placement option.
   • Completed ELA 099 (formerly ENG 99/100) or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or higher.
   • Completed an equivalent English course at another college or university with a grade "C" or higher.
4. Other
   A minimum of SIX hours of earned college credit from the required General Education Courses with at least an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher OR, for students without any earned college credit (exception high school dual credit program), application within two years of high school with an ACT or SAT score in the 45th percentile, overall high school GPA of 2.5 or higher, grades of "C" or better in four semesters (two years) of high school laboratory sciences, and grades of "C" or better for two semesters (one year) of high school algebra.

Admissions Procedures

1. Complete the College general admission procedure.
2. Attend an information meeting.
3. Complete a progression plan with the Health Advisor.
4. Two recommendation forms on file in the Office of Health Professions.
5. Complete TEAS test through SVCC testing center or other approved ATI testing center.
6. File an application form with the Office of Health Professions by the application deadline.
7. A "point system" will be utilized to evaluate all qualified applicants. Applicants will be awarded points for completion of specific general education and program admission requirements. These are explained in the Radiologic Technology Admission Handbook given out at the informational meeting.

Program Requirements

NRS 116, Medical Technology for Health Careers and RAD 100 Radiologic Technology Introduction, must be completed with a grade of "C" or above prior to starting the first semester RAD courses. A course accepted as equivalent in transfer from another institution may require a "B" or better due to differences in course grading scales. See the health counselor for more information. A grade of "C" is the minimum passing grade for all major field requirements, communications, life science, and mathematics courses. A "C" average must be maintained in all other general education requirements. Successful completion of a radiologic technology course requires a "C" in the classroom and a "C" in the clinical experience. A student who is unsatisfactory in any one of these areas will receive a failing grade for the course. If a RAD course is failed, it may be repeated once by going through a readmission to the program. No more than one RAD course may be repeated.

Application Deadlines

The SVCC admission policy requirements and minimum Radiologic Technology Academic Admission Requirements must be completed by the priority screening deadline of March 1 of the year the applicant wishes to be admitted. A second evaluation will be implemented for qualified students after the additional screening deadline of June 1. Students who apply after the application deadlines will be evaluated as spaces are available.

Out-of-District Application

Sauk Valley Community College is required by the Illinois Community College Act (110 ILCS 805/3-17) to give preference to in-district resident candidates. Out-of-district applicants will be considered if space is available after June 1 of the year of application to enter the program. Out-of-district applicants to the program coming from colleges with cooperative agreements will be given the same consideration (March 1 deadline) as in-district applicants.

Accreditation

The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).